The Harvard Club of India has clarified that it has neither issued nor endorsed any statement regarding the recent protests in New Delhi or the actions taken by authorities in connection with the agitation against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The clarification came after a group of individuals identifying themselves as Harvard University alumni reportedly issued a statement commenting on police action against protesters and the detention of certain individuals. The Club said the views expressed in that statement belonged solely to its signatories and should not be interpreted as the organisation’s official position.
Rajat Sethi, an Executive Committee member of the Harvard Club of India, explained the organisation’s position while speaking to ANI, emphasising the distinction between personal expression and institutional representation.
Harvard Club Says It Did Not Endorse Statement on Delhi Protests
Sethi said certain Harvard University alumni had issued a letter commenting on the recent protests and subsequent detentions. However, he clarified that the letter did not represent the official position of the Harvard Club of India.
He said the clarification was intended to ensure that the public did not mistake the personal views of individual alumni for an institutional statement.
“While we respect personal expression, that is not a substitute for institutional representation,” Sethi said, explaining that the organisation had not authorised the statement on its behalf.
Club’s Charter Restricts Political Statements on Its Behalf
The Harvard Club of India said its charter and governing bylaws do not authorise individuals or groups to make political statements or express positions on behalf of the Club or Harvard University.
According to the organisation, its mandate does not permit it to issue political statements in its own name or on behalf of the university. It reiterated that alumni may express their personal opinions, but such views cannot automatically be attributed to the institution.
The Club’s clarification sought to establish that the reported letter did not carry its official endorsement.
Official Statement Separates Personal Views From Institutional Position
In its official statement, the Harvard Club of India said it had neither issued nor endorsed any statement concerning the protests in New Delhi or the authorities’ actions related to the demonstrations.
The organisation specifically addressed the reported statement concerning police action against protesters and the detention of certain individuals, saying that it reflected only the personal views of those who signed it.
The Club also stated that the letter should not be construed as reflecting its official position, views or institutional endorsement.
Delhi Protest Controversy Continues Amid Political Tensions
The clarification comes amid ongoing political tensions in Delhi over protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the handling of electoral roll revision.
The demonstrations and subsequent police action have drawn statements from various individuals and groups. The Harvard Club of India’s clarification focuses specifically on whether the reported alumni statement represented the organisation.
By reiterating its governing rules, the Club has sought to maintain a clear distinction between the right of individuals to express their opinions and the authority to speak on behalf of an institution.
